Going Digital

Source: (http://www.ereaderestore.com/)

The 49er Bookstore may have to adopt new strategies to appeal to the evolving technologies being found on campus.

In a recent faculty meeting (MunchNLearn), new resources were discussed which are now offered at the bookstore. Things like digital textbooks, online textbook rentals, and online textbook ordering options were talked about.

DeAnn Hazey, executive director of the National Association of College Stores Foundation, told The Chronicle of Higher Education, "Book sales are declining-they're down tremendously this year,the college stores have to find other ways and other categories" to make money, she says, "otherwise they won't survive." 

Last semester a pilot was tested with seven courses on campus with digital editions of textbooks (eBooks) for the students, but results of the pilot still are not clear.

This seemed unheard of even five years ago says Brittany a CSULB Alumni, “I had one class in my four years at Long Beach that even offered an eBook and the only way to read it was on a computer.”

With more and more students using e-readers, iPads, and tablets, eBooks are becoming a choice way to carry hundreds of books around with one device. They are also cheaper, more eco-friendly, and easier to navigate.

This shift is evident in the consumer market. Amazon.com announced in early February that in Q2, for every 115 eBooks sold only 100 paperbacks were sold. Marking the first quarter in the online retailers 15 years that eBooks out sold paperbacks.